More than 600 people attended the event with Christmas tree lightings at the beginning and end and a parade in the middle. It was a significantly larger crowd than in the past, many said.

The Whittier High School band led numerous adults and children in a parade from City Hall through Uptown, ending at Rick’s Drive-In and Out.

“It’s a good way to bring the community together,” said Stacy Hobbis of Whittier, who was attending for the first time.

Hobbis brought son Connor, 8, and daughter Sydney, 7, who had lots of reasons to come to the event.

“We wanted to come for the free food,” Sydney Hobbis said. “I wanted to see the lights because they’re pretty and I’m excited to see the mayor.”

Mayor Joe Vinatieri kicked off the annual event by turning on the Whittier Christmas tree lights.

“It’s Christmas time,” Vinatieri told the crowd of about 250 in front of City Hall. “Is that cool or what?”

Vinatieri said he hopes this year’s holiday season is special.

“This year’s been kind of a tough year,” he said.

“People are losing jobs. At a time where we need hope, peace and joy, it’s Christmas time. So let’s together have a great time this Christmas season.”

Vinatieri also gave a certificate of commendation to Rick Tewes, owner of Rick’s Drive-In and Out. Tewes sponsors the event.

“Each year he reaches out in to the community and spends his own money to hire the Whittier High School band and carolers, horse and carriage, Santa Claus and more,” said Sandra Hahn, owner of Crepes and Grapes.

“It’s all for the purpose of helping to create an atmosphere of giving and good cheer in our community.”

Tewes said he just enjoys the event.

“I love it,” he said. “It’s Christmas.”

This year, Direct Link Local also got into the act, offering to pay $1 to local schools for every person who came to the event.

Mike Sprague started at the Whittier Daily News in April 1984. Since then, Sprague has covered every city in the Whittier Daily News circulation area, as well as political and water issues. Sprague received a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's degree in political science, both from Cal State Fullerton.

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